Especially during the winter in North Central Florida. Sometimes it seems like the leaves just won’t stop falling. What can we do to clear them up without losing our minds?

Here are five easy leaf removal tips for any type of Gainesvillian. Whether you’re super busy, a new parent, dedicated to the environment or more, there’s an option below for you.

5 Leaf Removal Tips for Gainesville, FL

1. Mulch leaves into plant and shrub beds

Are you a glass-half-full type of person? Think of the leaves on your lawn as a giant pile of free, organic fertilizer. By mulching your leaves, you can recycle nutrients right back into your plant beds.

You can simply rake up the leaves and then spread them over your plant beds. But if you want them to break down quickly and add nutrients to the soil faster, chop the leaves up first. All this takes is running your lawn mower over the pile of leaves.

This method also tends to create a cleaner, more professional look.

Aim for about two inches of leaf matter over the soil.

Just make sure not to pile the leaf mulch too close to the roots and stems, especially with roses or azaleas.

2. Mulch them into the turf

This idea is similar to the above—recycling nutrients into the earth for healthy, strong grass.

You just can’t put quite as much leaf mulch over your grass, or you’ll risk damaging it. If the leaves are blocking sunlight or letting excess moisture collect on your turf, you’ll do more harm than good.

First, chop up your leaves finely by running them under the lawn mower. Then spread a thin layer across your turf—the leaf pieces should fall down to the soil. If there’s a visible leaf layer over your grass, you’ve put too much down.

3. Try an electric leaf blowing service

If you want to do right by the environment while clearing your lawn, we respect that! But we also understand that raking and mulching leaves isn’t for everybody. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t feel like adding an extra chore to your list, you might be looking for other options.